New Year's Eve: Sydney lights up the night in classic style

Seven tons of thunderous fireworks lit up the night sky at Sydney harbor for the 1.5m revellers who lined the shores to welcome the new year in Australia.

The spectacular event in the New South Wales capital claims to be one of – if not the – most attended New Year’s event in the world. It doesn’t do things by halves. Some 11,000 shells and 25,000 shooting comets were launched from the Harbour Bridge, seven skyscrapers, barges on the water, and, for the first time in more than 10 years, four sails of the Opera house, during an unprecedented three displays throughout the evening.

The Harbour Bridge was adorned with a centerpiece that was kept secret until the display began. It was designed by Sydney’s New Year’s Eve creative ambassador, Reg Mombassa.

The renowned artist and musician also had one of his self-portraits recreated in fireworks by the event’s master pyrotechnician, Fortunato Foti.

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The City of Sydney said more than a billion people tuned in to watch the display on TV from around the world.
The Harbour Bridge itself was weighed down with 60 tonnes of lighting effects, including 16km of rope lights.

In true Sydney tradition, organizers were keen to point out that the entire event remained carbon neutral, with any emissions incurred from the evening set off with carbon credits. Biodegradable fire cracker cases were also in the display.